The Fortune Cafe (A Tangerine Street Romance)

by Wright, Julie

  Stella moved through the shop, opening the blinds, unlocking the front door, and sweeping the wood floors. The routine reduced the ache in her heart. How many times had her mother done this in the past twenty years? How many times alone while Stella was away at college?

  Her mother told her time and time again that she needed to finish her MBA, but Stella regretted staying away so long as it was. Maybe if she’d taken that last semester off and finished online, her mom might not have gotten so bad. One part of her brain told her, It’s not your fault, but the other part was full of what-ifs. Had Stella seen the signs earlier but just ignored them on her visits home? She should have clued in sooner when her mother shortened the store hours so that she could sleep in each morning.

  Stella’s phone buzzed, and she checked the incoming text. It was from Andrew.

  I’m on my way. Are you at the shop or at home?

  She definitely didn’t want him to go to her house. Her mom was in no condition for visitors, and besides, Stella didn’t want Andrew to see her. Stella knew exactly what would happen. Her mother would feel like she was keeping Stella away from dating, and Stella didn’t want her mom to worry about one more thing.

  Stella exhaled, standing in a ray of morning sun that filtered through the shop window. She just wanted peace, and she wanted her mother well. She didn’t want Andrew or any reminders of what her life might have been if everything hadn’t crashed around her.

  The text mocked her, reminding her of everything she’d given up. She didn’t want Andrew’s pity. She didn’t want to allow any hope that maybe he’d changed, that maybe he’d move to Seashell Beach to be near her, or that he’d share her burdens.

  No, that wasn’t who Andrew was. He’d try to draw her away. He’d insist on sending her mom to a care facility. He’d make Stella think about her needs for once. And that was the last thing she wanted to do. Once that box was cracked open, Stella would have to feel again.

  But... maybe, just maybe, Andrew had changed. The power of maybe was too great, and with trembling fingers, Stella texted him back. I’ll be at the shop.

  The morning was slow as far as customers went, which was fine with her. She had quite a few online orders to fill, along with Ronnie’s bracelets. But her heart was pounding, and predictably, right before noon, Andrew walked in.

  Stella’s breath hitched. There was no doubt he was hot. Tall, dark, handsome— it was all a cliché, but definitely true about Andrew. His half-Italian ancestry magnified his good looks.

  “Stella,” he said, his voice low and familiar. He crossed to her where she’d stood from her workbench, and kissed both of her cheeks, then lingered, his hand at her waist as he whispered, “You’re gorgeous.”

  His words started to melt her hardened resolve, and she had to focus on not letting the compliment weave its way to her heart. She stepped back, and he released her. He didn’t seem bothered by the distance. Instead he glanced about the shop. “How’s everything going?”

  “Fine, things are fine.” She wished she didn’t sound so breathless. “I’ve actually been really busy, although it doesn’t look like it now.”

  His dark eyes swung back to her face. “Let’s catch some lunch, and you can tell me more about it.”

  “I can’t,” Stella said. “I need to fix lunch for my mom, and I can’t close the shop up for very long.”

  Andrew cast another glance about the empty shop, then settled his gaze on her, making her stomach flip. “I can bring lunch here for you and your mom.” He stepped closer, casually taking her hand and threading their fingers together.

  She’d forgotten how naturally affectionate he was. Every time they were together, he was touching her, and he was already tempting her. Making things too complicated. She needed to spend time with her mom at lunch or she’d be alone all day, and she didn’t want Andrew coming over. It would be so easy to start dating him again, to let his affection be something real again. But she couldn’t.

  “Thanks for the offer, but my mom depends on her routine,” she said, withdrawing her hand from his.

  One side of his mouth lifted into a smile, as if he wasn’t swayed one bit. “Then I’ll go find lunch on my own and meet you back here.” His voice was smooth and tugged at her middle.

  Stella swallowed, her pulse racing. How could she be reacting like this— after all this time and after all the pain? “Do you have time for that?”

  He leaned close, and she could smell the cinnamon on his breath. So familiar.

  “I always have time for you,” he said.

  Stella took a step back, jarring her senses away from him.

  He winked and said, “See you in an hour.”

  Evan slowed down as he approached the jewelry shop. It was early afternoon and he’d just returned from dropping Katie off with her mom. He didn’t mind the four-hour round-trip so much, but he did mind having to see Michelle in person.

  She was a beautiful woman— almost too perfect, if truth be told. That should have been a red flag when Evan had first met her at a restaurant he’d worked as head chef. Even now, it always took him a couple of hours to shake off the Michelle-effect. A lot of memories, a lot of betrayal and hurt.

  Evan parked by the curb, feeling lucky to find a spot this time of day. The tourists were out in full force, eating at the cafés and browsing through shops. He sat in his truck for a moment, wondering what excuse he could come up with for going into the jewelry shop. Maybe he could browse, but that would seem too obvious.

  He could look for something to send to his mom. Her birthday wasn’t until July, but Stella didn’t need to know that. Evan climbed out the truck, knowing if he didn’t go now, it would be several days until he had time off during business hours.

  Evan walked into the shop. A couple of women stood near the front trying on some bracelets. He scanned the place, but didn’t see Stella. As he neared the counter, he could hear voices coming from the back room. The door was cracked open, but he couldn’t see through it. The voices were male and female, and it sounded like an argument.

  At first, Evan tried to ignore the conversation. He recognized Stella’s voice, but he had no idea who she might be talking to.

  When she said, “No, Andrew. Please leave,” Evan couldn’t ignore the conversation anymore. He walked to the office door, knocking and pushing it open as he did so.

  Stella was facing him and glanced at him as he stepped in.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Evan said. “Is everything okay?”

  A dark-haired man turned around, his equally dark eyes narrowed.

  “Evan!” Stella said, stepping toward him. She slipped her hands to his waist, lifted up and kissed him on the mouth. He didn’t even have time to decide how to respond before she pulled away and released him. “You’re early.”

  “I— uh.” He glanced at the other man, noting the curiosity mixed with suspicion on his face, which was exactly how Evan was feeling. He could still feel Stella’s kiss; it had been unexpected, and he decided it was unexpected in a good way. “I finished up and thought I’d come over to see if there’s anything I could help with.”

  Stella smiled at him, although her eyes were rimmed in red as if she’d been crying.

  He casually draped his left arm across her shoulders. “Is this... Andrew?” He extended his hand.

  Andrew shook his hand briefly. “Evan?”

  “That’s me,” Evan said, hoping he didn’t sound like the confused idiot he felt. But when Stella looped her arm around his waist, he knew he’d done the right thing.

  “So you are…” Andrew looked from Evan to Stella. “You could have told me, Stella, instead of coming up with other excuses.”

  Stella shrugged. “I’m sorry. We haven’t been dating long, and I didn’t want to put Evan in the middle of our past.”

  “Past… yeah, I think I get that now.” Andrew inhaled sharply, his jaw working as if he was trying to hold back what he really wanted to say. “I’m going now, just as you wished.” He
directed an appraising scowl in Evan’s direction, then looked at Stella. “I’ll call you later.”

  Stella’s arm tightened around Evan. “Don’t call me, Andrew.”

  He paused mid-turn and stared at Stella, his face red. Then he left, pushing past the customers who were standing at the sales counter.

  Stella released Evan. “Sorry,” she whispered. “Don’t leave. I need to explain.”

  She left the office and helped the two women who’d been waiting.

  Evan looked around the workspace. Post-it notes covered half of one wall, and he couldn’t help but read some of them. They were everything from “Try The Fortune Café” to “Order two dozen gold clasps.” On the other side of the room were a row of shelves. Jars filled with candy sat on the top row, then plastic tubs with jewelry pieces lined the second row.

  “Sorry about that,” Stella spoke, and Evan turned around to face her. She smoothed back her wavy hair that had come loose. “You’re probably wondering what happened.” She glanced toward the shop, then took a deep breath. “I thought maybe if I acted like we were together, Andrew would finally stop calling me.”

  “Your ex-boyfriend?”

  She nodded. “We went to school together, and I haven’t seen him for a year. I guess he decided to change that.”

  Evan leaned against the desk. The vulnerability was back in her brown eyes. “Glad I could help.” He smiled, but she didn’t smile back.

  “You can tell your wife I’m sorry.” Her face went red. “I should have considered that before kissing you.”

  “I don’t have a wife,” Evan said. “I’m divorced.”

  Stella nodded and turned away, moving a Post-it note. “Well, again, I’m sorry. And thanks for your... help. I think Andrew was convinced.”

  “I think so too,” Evan said, straightening. They were silent for a moment, and to prevent it from becoming too awkward, he said, “I came in to find something for my mom’s birthday.”

  “Oh, right.” Stella looked over at him. “What does she like to wear?”

  Evan shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Maybe gold— she wears a lot of that.”

  “Does she like big earrings? Small ones?”

  “Small.”

  “Come on,” Stella said. “I can show you a few sets she might like.”

  Evan followed her out, appreciating how her tone had brightened when they started talking about jewelry. For the next while, she showed him different pieces. When he asked how she’d made them, she seemed surprised at his questions, but then started to explain.

  Evan realized he enjoyed watching her talk. She used her hands a lot, and her tone was animated. She obviously loved her craft. “So you’ve made everything in this store?” he asked.

  “Most of it by now. Some of the inventory was created by my mom awhile back.” Her tone softened when she mentioned her mother.

  “Does she still work here?”

  “Not anymore.” There was hesitation in her voice. “She’s been really sick— diabetes.”

  Evan had developed a few recipes for people on dietary restrictions, but now wasn’t the time to drill Stella about her mom’s eating habits. “Sounds pretty serious if she can’t be in the shop anymore.”

  Stella blinked her eyes, tears forming. “It is. I moved back home to take care of her. Andrew wasn’t too happy about that.”

  One look at Andrew had told Evan that he wasn’t a small-town guy. “He doesn’t seem like the type of man to settle in a place like this.”

  Stella’s eyes widened. “You’re pretty perceptive— for a stranger.”

  Evan smiled. “It doesn’t take much perception. I know his type. I serve guys like him all the time.”

  Her brows lifted. “Serve? You’re a waiter?”

  “Chef.”

  Stella laughed, and her gaze moved over him. “Oh, wow. I’ll bet chefs get all the women.”

  “Not really,” Evan said with a smile. “I’m pretty much behind doors the whole time, and besides, with a young daughter, dating is not on my priority list.”

  Stella nodded, smiling now. “Yeah, I can understand that. Katie is adorable.”

  Evan decided he loved her smile and that she remembered his daughter’s name.

  The door chimed, and a woman with a couple of sunburned kids came into the shop. Evan checked the time, surprised that he’d been talking to Stella for so long. But it was time well spent.

  “I should let you go,” Evan said. “I think I’ll go with the Inspired set.”

  “That’s my favorite.” Stella picked up the necklace and matching earrings, then carried them to the counter. “Thanks again,” she said as she rang up the purchase.

  Evan pulled out his credit card and handed it over. Lowering his voice, he said, “Can I borrow a Post-it?”

  Her eyes were curious as she peeled one off for him.

  Evan wrote his name and number on it, then stuck it next to a group of Post-its on the edge of the counter. Stella’s gaze followed every movement. “I’d love to cook for you sometime,” he said. There, he’d made the obvious first move. There was no backtracking now.

  Her eyes met his, then slid away.

  “Call if you want to,” he said quietly. “No worries if you don’t.”

  She nodded and made no offer to commit. Evan wasn’t surprised. He might have helped her out of a bind, but that was as far as it went.

  He took the wrapped jewelry set and walked out of the shop, feeling like he’d just put his heart on a bright orange Post-it.

  Stella called the number for The Fortune Café, feeling like she was starving yet again. When a woman answered, Stella placed her order for cashew chicken, fried rice, and an egg roll. It was 7:30 p.m. and the shop would stay open until 9:00, but it felt like this one day had been two.

  First Andrew, then Evan.

  She couldn’t believe she’d kissed a stranger whom she thought was married. Relief had flooded through her when he’d said he was divorced. Maybe too much relief. She wondered what Evan had thought; his lips had been warm and she couldn’t get the memory out of her mind. Although that was probably from doing something so daring. Yet, she couldn’t get Evan’s sea-colored eyes out of her mind, and it was making her crazy. That and the fact that he wasn’t married when she had thought he was.

  Gazing at the Post-it for the umpteenth time since he’d left, she wondered what he’d meant by “cooking for her.” Maybe he wanted her to come to his restaurant— which made her realize that she didn’t even know where he worked. What if it was The Fortune Café? She laughed to herself, although she couldn’t picture him inside a tiny Chinese restaurant frying up chicken pieces and stirring sesame glaze toppings.

  Maybe he meant to his apartment. She assumed he lived around here— or why would he have given her his number? She moved the Post-it to the far corner, so that it wouldn’t glare at her so much. Evan was nice... but that might be the problem. She didn’t want to hurt a nice guy’s feelings— especially one who looked a bit haunted when he mentioned that he was divorced.

  And he had a daughter. Dating Evan would be too involved— too many other people were already a part of the equation. Stella’s heart pounded as she realized she was even considering calling the number he’d left.

  She hadn’t dated since Andrew, but she also had more than one person in her own equation. And she didn’t want to do anything that would make things worse for her mom.

  The front door chimed, and Stella looked up.

  A short man had entered, carrying a large white sack. “Takeout,” he said.

  Stella crossed to him and handed over the money, then took the sack. “Thank you! Smells great.”

  The man bowed his head and left.

  Stella set the food on her work desk, keeping the office door open so she could watch for customers. She hadn’t had Chinese in a while, and by the smell of the food, she knew she’d be a frequent customer. Halfway through her meal, she unwrapped the fortune cookie. She’d ne
ver been very good at waiting to read a fortune. Not that she’d ever had one come true.

  She cracked open the cookie and laughed to herself as she read the tiny red words: Do the thing you fear and love is certain.

  Like calling Evan? I fear that. Too complicated and all. And nothing is ever certain. She’d learned that lesson well when Andrew dumped her. Even when he’d been practically groveling at her feet earlier that day, he was still telling her how to live her life and that she’d given up too much to run a tiny jewelry shop. The first time she’d heard it before leaving college, it had hurt deeply. This second time, it had made her angry that he felt like he could have a say in her life now. As if she was so desperate and missed him so much that she’d take him back and quickly agree with everything he said.

  Stella pushed the paper aside and took another bite of the cashew chicken. Do the thing you fear and love is certain. Did she really fear calling Evan? No. She feared what that one phone call might start. Logically, she knew a single phone call wouldn’t make love certain. But what would it lead to? She already couldn’t stop thinking about Evan. Would going on a date with him fix that? She doubted it. And she wasn’t looking for love anyway— maybe someday, but her mom’s health was her focus now.

  And Stella was more than happy with that decision.

  She eyed the phone number again, and finally added it to her contacts. Then she opened a drawer and set the Post-it note inside. There. That would help her concentrate better on her work. She logged into her computer and entered a couple of orders for supplies.

  By 9:00 p.m. she was emotionally drained enough to close up the shop and head right home, but the moment she stepped outside, the scent of the ocean tempted her. A quick walk, then home. She strolled along the boardwalk passing couple after couple until she started to feel really painfully single. Had she never noticed how many couples went out walking at night on Seashell Beach?